India Test captain Virat Kohli missed the second Test match of the three-match series against South Africa at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on January 3, 2022. Instead, Kuala Lumpur Rahul led the Indian team, who was appointed as their deputy. In the absence of Captain Rohit Sharma, who is absent from the series due to injury.
Virat Kohli led the Indian team to a famous test win in the opening match at Supersport Park in Centurion, which India won by 113 runs to lead the series 1-0. Kohli's centuries streak and low scores continued in Test 1 as well, scoring just 35 and 18 points in the two rounds at Centurion.
Commentators were curious how and why Virat Kohli wasn't ready for the launch and instead KL Rahul went on to launch with South African captain Dean Elgar in the middle. KL Rahul won the lottery and decided to hit first and the first question was asked about Virat Kohli and why he wasn't this brilliant captain and legendary hitter in match XI.
"Unfortunately, Virat has experienced a lower back contracture and is expected to recover for the next test," KL Rahul was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.
The dream of every Indian player is to be the captain of his country. We are really honored and looking forward to this challenge. We've had some good victories here and hopefully, we can continue like this. Hanuma Vihari has replaced Virat. Only one change. All in all, it was a good test on Centurion. We did well as a team and we are very excited about this match.”
Virat Kohli was due to play his 100th test match in Cape Town for the third match of the series and now, with Johannesburg out of the test match, his 100th test match will likely be played in front of a home crowd when hosts India Sri Lanka. Lanka for a series of tests in February and March.
Meanwhile, Dean Elgar also revealed two changes to the South African squad, with Kyle Verne replacing Quinton de Kock, who retired from Tests after the Centurion match, and Duane Olivier to replace Vian Mulder in South Africa.
Also Read - IND VS SA, 2nd Test: New year, new hope for struggling Virat Kohli
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